Reza Abbasi Museum: Art and History Combined
Evolution of Persian Art and History in a Museum
Reza Abbasi Museum is one of the top ten museums in Iran that display a priceless collections. Located in Seyyed Khandan neighborhood east of Tehran. The museum offers an enchanting time for visitors to pass through art and history. It is named after a renown Safavid era painter. Reza Abbasi Museum is one of the most important museums with valuable art pieces and historical objects in Iran. Visiting this treasure would be a unique experience that satisfies any taste.
The formidable museum established in 1978 in memory of the famous 16th century Persian miniaturist Reza Abbasi. The museum went through various changes and renovations until finally opened to the public in its current arrangement in 2000.
The museum’s outstanding collections are from the 2nd millennium BC to the early 20th century and the Qajar period. Reza Abbasi museum is dubbed as the small version of Iran’s National Museum. Visitors can witness Iran’s cultural heritage in five halls in addition to access to more than 10,000 volumes of books in the museum’s library.
Contents
Explore a Timeless Treasure Trove
The museum holds 50,000 antique objects and 700 of them are displayed in museum halls. Other historical objects are occasionally being showcased in the temporary exhibitions section in the ground floor. These historical objects are uniquely arranged in chronological order.
Visitors can view Iran’s development in art and crafts since early ages at the Pre-Islamic Hall. History buffs can have a close look at objects from the pre historic times including Achaemenid, Parthian and Sassanid periods. Gold and bronze animal figurines are mesmerizing works of art in this section. Gold rheytons in the form of ram and horse heads are some of the exquisite art pieces. Metal artifacts and potteries reflects the artistry of the period. Each object entails a charming history of Persia.
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The museum exhibits relics of Islamic era in Iran at two halls. The first Islamic Hall displays metal objects from the Būyids dynasty with patterns from Sassanid era. The Kufic calligraphy works in this hall are the early motifs of the Islamic period in the country. Pottery wares with fine underglaze paintings, jewelry, and textiles from the Saljuqi era are featured in this hall.
In the second Islamic Hall artifacts and historical objects from Teimoori, the Safavid and Qajar eras are showcased. Antique pottery, metal wares, jewelry, clothing and manuscripts in this section are intriguing. Stunning antique qalamdans (a Persian pencil case) with colorful miniature paintings, book covers and boxes in the Qajar segment are major attractions of this hall.
Colorful Paintings and Calligraphies
Visitors can see different styles of traditional Persian miniature paintings from the early Islamic era to Qajar period. Precious pages of Shahnameh (book of kings) from the 14th century and samples of Shiraz and Tabriz schools of painting are notable highlights. Pages of other ancient Persian literatures embellished by exquisite miniature paintings are also exhibited. Art works of Reza Abbasi from the 16th century and some of his students are the core of the miniature painting hall.
Samples of early calligraphy works on pages of Quran and other books from the Islamic era displayed in the Calligraphy Hall. The Evolution of Persian calligraphy are displayed by spectacular masterpieces of 16th century calligrapher Mir Emad and 18th century artist Darvish Abdolmajid Taleqani. These are fine specimens of Nastaʿlīq calligraphy.
A Journey Through The Library
Visitors have the opportunity to witness the restoration of artifacts or look at old books and newspapers. The library and the restoration sections are other interesting parts of the museum. The library has more than 10,000 volumes of historical and cultural books. In addition to old newspapers and antique magazines. The museum’s restoration and repair section is considered to be one of the most advanced preservation workshops in the country. The restoration process could be a new experience for everyone.
This museum’s Book Shop, offers a collection of unique products such as books, posters and post cards. Reza Abbasi Museum also provided a space for training courses in the ground floor. Therefore visitors can learn about various fields of art that are related to the museum including drawing, calligraphy, miniature painting (traditional Persian drawing) and calligraphy page illustration.
Planning The Trip
Visitors can access to Reza Abbasi Museum via subway. It’s only a few minutes walk to Sohrevardi, Shahid Ghoddoosi or Shariati subway stations. Visitors have the opportunity to walk through Andishe Park, located near the museum. The Book City is another option to look out after a cultural feast in the museum.
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Final Note
Reza Abbasi museum is undoubtedly one of the most attractive places to visit diverse antiques and ancient artifacts. The museum holds one of the biggest collections from the 2nd millennium BC to the early 20th century. Visitors can experience evolution of Persian art by passing through the museum’s halls. The museum provides a good alternative to learn about the country’s history. Reza Abbasi Museum is a better choice for those who have less time to visit the Iran’s National Museum offering a similar delight.
FAQ
What is the museum’s working hours?
The Reza Abbasi Museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in spring and summer while it will be closed on 5:00 pm in autumn and winter time.
What are the top attractions of the museum?
Gold artifacts from Achaemenid and the Medes including golden rheytons in pre-Islamic hall. Excellent calligraphy pages by renowned 16th century artists Reza Abbasi in the second Islamic hall are some of the famous features.
How to Get to Reza Abbasi Museum?
The museum has good access to public transports including bus or subway. The museum is located in a dense area that lacks parking space. Thus subway is the better option than personal vehicles or taxis. Reza Abbasi Museum is in a short proximity of Shahid Ghoddoosi Subway Station. Visitors in the north of Tehran can use Tajrish Station and hop off at Shariati Station that require more walking.
